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Updated: May 10, 2026

Investigating the Detrimental Effects of Low Pressure Plasma Sterilization on the Survival of Bacillus subtilis Spores Using Live Cell Microscopy
10:03

Investigating the Detrimental Effects of Low Pressure Plasma Sterilization on the Survival of Bacillus subtilis Spores Using Live Cell Microscopy

Published on: November 30, 2017

[Effect of low temperature plasma on various mycoplasma species]

A Ia Mukhachev, I V Rakovskaia, G G Miller

    Zhurnal Mikrobiologii, Epidemiologii I Immunobiologii
    |June 29, 2013
    PubMed
    Abstract

    Insights

    Cold electrolyte plasma (CEP) effectively kills mycoplasma in agar and on cell lines. However, some mycoplasma strains show resilience, indicating adaptation to plasma decontamination methods.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Plasma Physics
    • Cell Biology

    Context:

    • Mycoplasma contamination is a significant issue in cell culture, impacting research and therapeutic applications.
    • Existing decontamination methods have limitations in efficacy and potential for cell damage.

    Purpose:

    • To evaluate the efficacy of cold electrolyte plasma (CEP) for decontaminating mycoplasma from cell cultures and agar.
    • To assess the survivability of various mycoplasma strains after CEP exposure.

    Summary:

    • CEP demonstrated significant bactericidal effects against Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma arginini, and Aholeplasma laidlawii in agar and on human cell lines (MT4, HeLa).
    • While high doses of CEP were effective, a small proportion of mycoplasma survived, particularly when exposed in a grown state or after passage.
    • CEP exposure on M. hominis post-seeding resulted in unique mini-colonies, and decontamination of contaminated cell lines was successful.

    Impact:

    • CEP shows promise as a decontamination tool for mycoplasma in cell cultures.
    • The observed survival suggests mycoplasma heterogeneity and adaptation, necessitating further research into plasma-chemical mechanisms and optimized exposure parameters.

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